News
SMC Recognizes 28 Employees
Published on June 3, 2026 - 11 a.m.
Twenty-eight individuals were recognized at Southwestern Michigan College’s annual Employee Retirement and Recognition Breakfast May 1 in Mathews Conference Center East, including two retirees, Dr. Karen Reilly and Edward Derbin.
Reilly retired Jan. 5 as dean of business and advanced technology since June 2020.
Derbin left at the end of 2025 after teaching economics for four years at SMC.
CEO/President Dr. Klint Pleasant highlighted faculty and staff professional achievements:
- Blake Bundy, master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in data analytics from Louisiana State University.
- Brad Bundy, master’s degree in data science from Eastern University.
- Tyler Craig, CompTIA Security+ and Linux+ certifications.
- China Bendiner, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University.
- Adrian Sirbu, Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) network certification.
- Kyra DeLoach, micro credential in advising in an online setting from NACADA.
- William Poitras, micro credential in introduction to academic advising.
- Branden Pompey, elected president of the Student Life Association of Michigan Community Colleges.
Dr. Katie Hannah, vice president for the student experience, announced recipients for five, 10 and 15 years.
Dr. Jeff Freels, chief academic and assurance officer, highlighted 20- and 25-year recipients.
Chief Financial Officer Michelle Kite introduced the 35-year honoree, who started July 23, 1990.
“She’s been here more than half of the life of the college, which has been around for 62 years,” Kite said.
Service awards
- Natalie Anagnos, professor, communications, 35 years.
- Andrew Dohm, professor, math-science, 25 years.
- Eric Clayborn, chair-business, professor, 20 years.
- Allen Jackson, senior network specialist, 20 years.
- Nicholas Mustak, coordinator of institutional research, 15 years.
- Gail Shirey, professor, communications, 15 years.
- Robin Shipkosky, interim dean of arts, science and business, 15 years.
- Diana Bosch, executive administration assistant, 15 years.
- Richard Hiler, senior maintenance technician, 10 years.
- Andrea Swartz, buildings and grounds coordinator, 10 years.
- Rona Goodrich, chair-nursing, professor.
- Branden Pompey, director of campus life, 10 years.
- Deirdre Kirk, professor, science-math, 10 years.
- Kwajalein Dodd, academic advisor/occupational, 10 years.
- John Yu, programmer, 10 years.
- Zachary Sartori, head coach cross country, five years.
- Walter Pabis, lead programmer analyst, five years.
- John Tinker, professor, construction trades, five years.
- Allyson Harris, senior admissions counselor/event coordinator, five years.
